WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

A police officer has been left devastated after his toddler was brutally mauled to death by a former police dog.

The three-year-old was the daughter of Nathan Hill, the police chief of a small city called Burlington which sits along the Colorado-Kansas border.

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His family were housing K-9 Draco, a German Shepard who formerly worked as a drug sniffing dog before he was donated to the Burlington Police Department after having been recently taken out of service.

On Monday, K-9 Draco brutally attacked Officer Hill’s daughter while he was not at home.

Paramedics arrived at the tragic scene within minutes of an emergency call, and found the toddler alongside her devastated mother.

The dog was no longer attacking the girl, and had been secured in a kennel, Fox12 Oregon reported.

Despite emergency services arriving so quickly, the girl was unable to be saved and was tragically pronounced dead at the local hospital.

Draco was taken to the pound and put down. He had previously worked with the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office, but was taken out of service because the department ended its K-9 program.

Authorities said the dog was not trained in bite work.

In a statement, the Burlington Police Department said an investigation is underway, but that the attack was a “tragic accident” and was not a “criminal matter”.

“We want to assure the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety,” the statement said.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occured within the city limits of Burlington CO. Our hearts go out to Chief Nate Hill, his wife and family for the loss of their little girl, who was victim of a dog attack.

“The City of Burlington staff is a family, and our hearts are hurting for the family and those affected by this unfortunate event.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Kit Carson County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington Police Department, first responders and hospital staff for their swift and professional response. Their dedication and hard work in the face of adversity are truly commendable.

“The situation is under control, and we are committed to providing any necessary support to those impacted.”

Tributes are flowing for the girl and her grieving family.

“I’m so shocked and saddened by this tragedy. Thoughts and prayers for her family and all those who responded,” one Facebook user wrote

“My heart aches for this family. I can not even begin to imagine the pain.. We are praying. And I hope God gives you the strength to get through this,” another wrote.